By Homer                                               H.R. No. 776
         76R13918 GMW-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, April 30, 1999, marks the dedication of the Tippi
 1-2     and Denver Pyle Pavilion, and this auspicious occasion provides a
 1-3     fitting opportunity to recognize the myriad civic contributions of
 1-4     these two esteemed individuals; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Known to many as "Uncle Jesse" from the popular
 1-6     television show "The Dukes of Hazard," Denver Pyle became one of
 1-7     the top character actors in the business and was a familiar face in
 1-8     scores of television shows and movies during his lifetime; together
 1-9     with his beloved wife, Tippi, he drew on his celebrity for the
1-10     betterment of society, raising millions of dollars for children's
1-11     charities across the land; and
1-12           WHEREAS, One of their enduring charities is the highly
1-13     successful "Uncle Jesse's Big Bass Classic" fishing tournament, an
1-14     annual event established in 1987 and held at Sanders Cove on Pat
1-15     Mayse Lake; Denver Pyle's Children's Charities Foundation was
1-16     formed in 1988 and distributes 100 percent of the funds generated
1-17     by the tournament to the benefit of the children of Lamar County,
1-18     which included more than $160,000 in its first decade of existence;
1-19     and
1-20           WHEREAS, Since Mr. Pyle's passing in December 1997, Mrs. Pyle
1-21     has served as celebrity host of "Uncle Jesse's Big Bass Classic," a
1-22     tradition she will continue at the 12th annual tournament being
1-23     held in May 1999; and
1-24           WHEREAS, The philanthropic legacy established by Mr. and
 2-1     Mrs. Pyle is truly commendable, and  it is most appropriate to pay
 2-2     tribute to them for their many significant efforts in behalf of the
 2-3     children of Lamar County; now, therefore, be it
 2-4           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
 2-5     Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of the Tippi and
 2-6     Denver Pyle Pavilion, honor the memory of Denver Pyle, and extend
 2-7     sincere best wishes to Mrs. Pyle for continued success with this
 2-8     worthy endeavor; and, be it further
 2-9           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-10     prepared for Mrs. Pyle as an expression of highest regard by the
2-11     Texas House of Representatives.